‘PURA VIDA’

The Heart of Costa Rica

If there is one expression that defines the essence of Costa Rica, it is “Pura Vida”. Two simple words that encapsulate an entire philosophy of life, a way of being and feeling deeply rooted in Costa Rican culture. For travelers who embark on volunteer experience adventures in this destination, truly understanding what “Pura Vida” means can greatly enrich their experience and help them connect more deeply with the country and its people.

In this post we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this iconic phrase: its origin, its meaning, why it’s used so much, and some curiosities you probably didn’t know.

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What does “Pura Vida” mean?

Literally, “Pura Vida” translates to “pure life” or “simple life,” but its meaning goes far beyond the words.

In Costa Rica, “Pura Vida” is a greeting, a farewell, an expression of gratitude, a positive response, and a way of saying everything is okay. It’s an attitude toward life. It means being happy, feeling grateful, enjoying the moment, facing challenges with a smile, and valuing the simple things.

“Hi, how are you?”

– “Pura Vida!”

“Thanks for the help.”

– “Pura Vida, my pleasure!”

“Everything good?”

– “Pura Vida!”

This versatile term reflects the optimism, kindness, and warmth of the Costa Rican people. It’s a way of seeing life calmly, without stress, and with a deep connection to nature and others.

Where does the phrase “Pura Vida” come from?

Although it is now 100% Costa Rican, the curious thing is that the origin of “Pura Vida” is not native to the country. The phrase began to gain popularity in Costa Rica in the 1950s, after the screening of a Mexican movie called “¡Pura Vida!” (1956), starring Antonio Espino “Clavillazo.” In it, the character used the phrase constantly, and Costa Ricans gradually adopted it until it became an integral part of their everyday language.

Over time, “Pura Vida” evolved beyond a comic catchphrase and became a true cultural statement.

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Why is it used so much in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is one of the happiest countries in the world, according to multiple international indexes. It has a stable democracy, has had no army since 1948, and is known for its commitment to sustainability, peace, and social well-being. In this context, “Pura Vida” fits perfectly as a national expression.

The phrase is used so much because it reflects that relaxed, positive, and harmonious way of life that so characterizes the country. For Ticos, “Pura Vida” is a way of living with joy, without overcomplicating things, and appreciating every moment.

Curiosities about this expression

* Country brand: “Pura Vida” is part of Costa Rica’s international branding. It is used in tourism campaigns, local products, and even forms part of the country’s official logo.

* Recognized worldwide: Many travelers return from Costa Rica using “Pura Vida” as part of their regular vocabulary. Its use has spread so much that it’s sometimes heard outside the country, especially among people who have visited Costa Rica and fell in love with its culture.

* There is no exact translation: Although it can be translated literally, its true emotional and cultural meaning has no exact equivalent in other languages. It is one of those unique expressions that can only be fully understood through experience.

* Part of Costa Rican DNA: If you ask any Costa Rican what it means to be a Tico or Tica, “Pura Vida” will surely be part of their answer. It’s a symbol of national identity.

What can a participant in the volunteer experience learn about the phrase “Pura Vida”?

Travelers who arrive in Costa Rica to participate in volunteer programs quickly discover that “Pura Vida” is not just a phrase: it’s a guide to living more consciously and connectedly.

During your stay, many of you will learn to:

* Value the simple things: like sharing a homemade meal, walking down a nature-filled path, or having a good conversation without rushing.

* Accept differences: understanding that every culture has its own rhythm and ways, and not everything has to be urgent.

* Connect with the community: the collaborative and hospitable spirit of Costa Ricans makes any volunteer feel welcome.

Adopting “Pura Vida” as a philosophy during your international volunteer experience allows you to set aside stress, open your heart, and live with more presence.

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Tips to live “Pura Vida” like a local

1. Greet with a smile: In Costa Rica, a smile and a “¡Pura Vida!” open many doors.

2. Be patient: Things aren’t always done quickly, and that’s okay. Enjoy the process.

3. Connect with nature: Walk along the beach, listen to the sounds of the forest, breathe deeply.

4. Talk to people: Ticos are warm, curious, and always willing to chat.

5. Do your best, without stress: In volunteer projects, give your best, but understand that everything has its own pace.

6. Live in the moment: Let each day surprise you, without rigid expectations.

“Pura Vida” is much more than a tourist slogan or a friendly expression. It is a reflection of the way of life of a country that has made peace, happiness, and sustainability its banners.

And you will discover that if you choose to carry out your volunteer experience in this country, which we assure you will be unforgettable.

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UNIVERSITY PRACTICES

Our volunteers will be able to validate university credits with the aim of traveling in a more responsible and economical way.

What does volunteering focused on university practices involve?

At Cooperating Volunteers, we make agreements with different universities to validate university credits with the aim of traveling in a more responsible and economical way.

The specialties we work with are extensive: medical volunteering, nursing, education, social work, psychology, physiotherapy, engineering, architecture…

The practices can be carried out in our designated destinations for this purpose, as well as in Spain.

If you choose an international destination, it’s a unique way to live an unforgettable and enriching experience, as you will have the opportunity to continue your education in another country, with a completely different culture.

Stepping out of our comfort zone and being part of the various projects at the destination will allow us to grow both personally and professionally, creating a more extensive curriculum.

And we are fully convinced that this experience will accompany you throughout your life.

You will be able to visit hospitals, schools, centers, orphanages, and participate directly and actively in the daily lives of all those people at the destination, always accompanied by other professionals willing to collaborate hand in hand with you and guide you in daily tasks.

If your university is not part of the agreement with Cooperating Volunteers, you can contact cristina@cooperatingvolunteers.com so that we can get in touch and make this experience a reality. 

CORPORATE VOLUNTEERING

Corporate volunteering consists of tailored programs for your company, designed to develop teamwork skills.

It is proven that teamwork directly impacts productivity. 

Collective effort surpasses individual capabilities, promotes diversity of skills, stimulates creativity, and facilitates problem-solving in the face of various challenges.

Therefore, it not only maximizes efficiency but also enriches the work environment.

We conduct corporate volunteering programs that consist of customized programs for your company, designed to develop teamwork skills, improve performance, and foster unity among employees.

We tailor projects to the corporate identity and size of the company, and we can adjust them to any destination and time of the year.

The advantages of corporate volunteering include:

  • Improving communication.
  • Group unity.
  • Cultural integration in different situations.
  • Employee training.
  • Increased Corporate Social Responsibility.

The future is aligned with a more responsible society, and participating in social projects positions our company among the list of revolutionary businesses that want to be part of the change.

If you resonate with this message, corporate volunteering is a unique experience both individually and collectively, and at Cooperating Volunteers, we accompany you throughout the process to make it a unique journey.

FAMILY VOLUNTEERING

Quality time spent with family strengthens emotional bonds, promotes communication, and contributes to the emotional well-being of its members. 

Spending quality time with family and being able to disconnect from our hectic routines is not only enriching but also necessary.

Sometimes we forget to communicate, connect, and dedicate time to each other. Each one of us lives focused on our jobs, schools… And it’s necessary to find the opportunity to pause and take care of ourselves.

Quality time spent with family strengthens emotional bonds, promotes communication, and contributes to the emotional well-being of its members. And of course, it creates lifelong positive memories.

At Cooperating Volunteers, we suggest moving away from those ‘more superficial’ trips (which can also be fantastic), but we invite you to live this experience to bring out our most empathetic and humanitarian side.

Family volunteering gives us the opportunity to be part of a positive impact, promoting values of solidarity and social responsibility.

There are many families who choose to experience these trips focused on cooperation and direct involvement with different communities around the world, where living conditions are very different and sometimes entirely precarious.

Projects are tailored to different ages, allowing us to work together.

An incredible way to fill our suitcase with memories, learning, and knowledge.

And although stepping out of our comfort zone often feels daunting, we assure you firsthand that it’s worth it.

At Cooperating Volunteers, we accompany you throughout the entire experience, from start to finish, to make it unforgettable.

SENIOR VOLUNTEERING

At Cooperating Volunteers, we believe it’s never too late for anything, especially for volunteering and living a unique and unforgettable experience.

There are many people, increasingly so, who opt for responsible travel that involves social work.

Accustomed to organized and mostly touristic trips, at Cooperating Volunteers, we want to advocate for a more enriching experience, one that transforms us from within and allows us to be part of the change the world needs to see.

We can adapt both the destination and the duration of our projects to fit your needs.

It’s an opportunity full of emotions that allows us to significantly contribute to different communities and their evolution. And you can participate in different areas such as education, social support, or assistance in different centers.

Some of the benefits include:

  • Sense of purpose: Provides a sense of purpose by contributing your skills and experiences to meaningful causes.
  • Emotional well-being: Reduces feelings of isolation and establishes social connections.
  • Personal development: It’s continuous learning, skill development, and discovering new activities while keeping the mind-body active.
  • Physical health: Keeping active.
  • Stress reduction: The act of helping others reduces stress and contributes to mental health.

Living this experience will undoubtedly be a before and after. 

SOCIAL VOLUNTEERING

A volunteering initiative with leadership and impact through the educational action program.

When we talk about social volunteering, we refer to all those actions and activities carried out altruistically, selflessly, and with the aim of addressing multiple problems and needs of different communities, always focused on education and self-sufficiency.

Education is essential because it provides the tools and knowledge necessary for personal, social, and economic development.

Our goal is to create self-sufficient communities and provide opportunities for the future personal development of each member. The message is not to ‘give’, but to accompany in the process of training for self-managed provision.

At Cooperating Volunteers, many of our destinations and projects embrace this type of volunteering. Some of our projects include: community programs, education, women’s empowerment…

And although they are completely different from each other, they share a single objective: progress towards a society that can embrace us all in the same way.

If you are someone who is restless, who needs to see a change in the future, volunteering is an experience tailor-made for you.